Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-15 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 9 roots. Poultry manure has been highlighted as particularly effective in increasing potato yield and quality, with improved tuber size, dry matter content, and nutrient uptake (Abeshu and Wollega, 2020). Moreover, organic fertilizers play a significant role in sustaining long-term soil fertility. Over time, organic matter from manure and compost helps build soil structure, leading to increased soil aeration and better root development in potato crops. The slow decomposition of organic materials provides a steady source of nutrients throughout the growing season, contributing to better nutrient cycling and reducing the need for frequent fertilizer applications (Ahmed and Shahien, 2018). 6.2 Comparison of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Effectiveness on Yield and Quality The effectiveness of organic and inorganic fertilizers on potato yield and quality has been widely studied, with each fertilizer type offering distinct advantages. Inorganic fertilizers, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), are known for their quick nutrient release, leading to rapid plant growth and higher yields in the short term. However, when used excessively, inorganic fertilizers can lead to soil degradation, nutrient imbalances, and increased environmental risks such as nitrate leaching. In contrast, organic fertilizers, such as farmyard manure and compost, improve soil structure and enhance nutrient availability over time, leading to sustained improvements in soil fertility and crop productivity (Gelaye, 2023). Several studies have found that combining organic and inorganic fertilizers provides the best results in terms of both yield and quality. For instance, applying poultry manure along with inorganic nitrogen fertilizer has been shown to significantly improve tuber yield, dry matter content, and starch levels compared to using inorganic fertilizer alone. Organic fertilizers improve the soil's water retention and nutrient-holding capacity, which helps sustain higher yields even when inorganic fertilizer use is reduced (Alemayehu et al., 2020). The quality of potato tubers, including characteristics such as dry matter content, starch levels, and resistance to bruising, is often better when organic fertilizers are included. In particular, studies show that potatoes fertilized with a combination of organic manure and inorganic nutrients exhibit better nutrient profiles, including higher vitamin C and protein content. These potatoes are also more resilient to storage-related issues and maintain their quality for longer periods compared to those fertilized solely with inorganic inputs (Petropoulos et al., 2020). 6.3 Integrating Organic and Inorganic Sources for Balanced Nutrient Supply A balanced nutrient supply is essential for achieving high yields and maintaining soil health in potato cultivation, and integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers is an effective strategy to achieve this. Combining the fast-acting nutrients provided by inorganic fertilizers with the long-term soil improvement benefits of organic fertilizers offers a synergistic effect, leading to better crop performance. Studies indicate that applying a mixture of 25–50% organic fertilizer (such as compost or poultry manure) with 50–75% inorganic fertilizer optimizes potato yield and quality while maintaining soil fertility. This approach ensures that crops receive an immediate nutrient boost from the inorganic fertilizer while the organic fertilizer continues to release nutrients throughout the growing season (Chebotarev et al., 2021). Integrated fertilizer systems also contribute to improved soil structure and reduced environmental risks. Organic fertilizers, such as farmyard manure, help buffer the soil against the acidifying effects of inorganic fertilizers, while also increasing the organic carbon content in the soil. This combination helps maintain soil microbial activity and enhances nutrient cycling, leading to more efficient nutrient use and reduced losses due to leaching or volatilization. Integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers is also a cost-effective method for smallholder farmers, as it allows for reduced reliance on expensive inorganic inputs while maintaining high productivity (Yimer, 2022). Moreover, research has demonstrated that integrated fertilizer applications reduce the accumulation of harmful compounds, such as nitrates, in the potato tubers, improving food safety and quality. By incorporating organic sources like compost or manure, potato farmers can achieve better long-term sustainability, ensuring that soil fertility is preserved while also maximizing crop yields (Nunes et al., 2020).
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